Journal · Routine · 6 min
Building a routine around a single retinoid.
One retinoid does not need another exfoliant, another acid, or another peel. Let the retinoid do its work; support what it withdraws.
The Biomedical Emporium® formulation desk
31 March 2026
The most common retinoid mistake is stacking. Retinaldehyde plus glycolic acid plus a scrub adds up to a barrier catastrophe by week three. The retinoid is already resurfacing the skin. Everything else is redundant, and worse, additive to the tolerance load.
Support the retinoid instead. A hydrating serum every night to replace the water the turnover is asking for. A lipid-correct cream to give the new corneocytes something to hold onto. Mineral SPF at 30 or higher every morning without exception. That is a full protocol.
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